Recap: Collingwood Talks Housing
In September and early October, the Task Force hosted two pivotal events in the Collingwood Talks Housing series.
On September 17, 2025, the Task Force was joined by two local developers, focused on both large-scale subdivisions and smaller infill projects to share more about the costs to build and how that increases housing prices. Attendees left with a better understanding of the financial considerations included in developing a project, how higher building costs can lead to more expensive housing, and strategies developers are employing to lower costs. A big thank you to Russell Higgens of MacPherson Homes and Trevor Hough of DevCom – your insights and candor were helpful in building an understanding of the costs facing home builders.
On Friday October 3, 2025 the Affordable Housing Task Force hosted the first public screening of Thinking Beyond the Market: a film about genuinely affordable housing. We were lucky enough to have filmmaker, author, and professor, Dr. Brian Doucet in attendance and available for a lively discussion following the film. Through the film, Dr. Doucet brought us across Canada to understand real affordable housing solutions being actioned throughout the Country.
We learned from Dr. Carolyn Whitzman about the deep need for affordable and non-market housing in Canada, how the Whistler Housing Authority has built over 7,300 beds of affordable rental and ownership housing dedicated to those working in Whistler, the importance of public lands in housing solutions, how Indwell has transformed historical buildings to develop deeply affordable and supportive housing, and the historical Jericho Lands Development project, a joint venture partnership between Canada Lands Company and the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations including 13,000 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable. We also learned about the importance of grass-roots initiatives and community advocacy, such as My Old Apartment Rental Registry and PEI Fight for Affordable Housing, in shaping political will.
A big thank you to Dr. Doucet for allowing Collingwood to be the first public screening of the film. And an even bigger thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Q&A. There were numerous insightful questions and comments raised showing that as a community, you are truly engaged in seeking solutions to our affordable housing crisis.
This event marks a turning point in the Collingwood Talks Housing series – we will build on this momentum by introducing different ways affordable housing can be delivered, looking at models such as community land trusts and housing co-ops, exploring how faith-based lands can unlock more affordable housing, and how social financing and community bonds can help non-profits raise capital. We welcome you to continue the conversation with us.
We Know the Issue. Now, Let’s Talk Solutions!
How Land Trusts Are Building Affordable Communities. Can they Work in Collingwood?
Save the Date! Our next session will be held on Wednesday November 26, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Collingwood Public Library in Community Rooms B&C.
Join us for a presentation from the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts to learn more about Community Land Trusts and how they can help build affordable communities. Following the presentation, we will discuss how this approach could become a reality in Collingwood.
This is a free event, to register visit www.collingwood.ca/housing.
Survey
The Task Force is eager to get your feedback on the Collingwood Talks Housing events! If you have attended one of our events, please take the survey and let us know how we can improve!
Rapid ARU Video Series
Introducing a new video series highlighting the Town’s award winning Rapid Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Program! Check out the full video below where you’ll learn from community members that have built ARUs and tenants currently living in ARUs to learn about how this important form of housing can address Collingwood’s rental housing needs.
Each week for the next 5 weeks ahead of National Housing Day November 22, we will release a short video (sectioned from the long video) on our social media accounts. These videos will dive into the supports that exist through the Town’s program and hopefully inspire residents to start their ARU journey today!
The following is a list of resources and information that will further inform and educate you about affordable housing locally and beyond.
